The government of Kwara has expressed dissatisfaction over the exorbitant cost of some drugs pharmaceutical companies supply to health facilities across the state. 

“The price of drugs is higher in our facilities than those purchased outside, so patients prefer buying from retailers outside rather than from our hospitals,” said Abdulraheem Malik, Executive Secretary, Kwara State Hospital Management Board.

Mr Malik registered his displeasure during a meeting with representatives of the pharmaceutical companies at the Essential Drug Project (EDP) of Kwara State Ministry of Health on Saturday in Ilorin.

He stated that the meeting was essential because of the need to sustain efforts towards providing quality and affordable healthcare services to the state’s people.

Mr Malik emphasised the need for people in Kwara to get quality and affordable drugs in all hospitals in the state.

“We appeal to the pharmaceutical companies in the state to supply EDP at competitive prices instead of institution prices to enhance easy access and more patronage by patients.

“We are looking forward to an automated system of operation so that we can monitor the consumption of drugs in all our facilities and keep more accurate records,” Mr Malik said.

Also, Loveth Oladele, the EDP acting project manager, commended the pharmaceutical companies who have performed their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) in one form or the other, urging others to do the same.

Ms Oladele implored them to give all state facilities the best drug price possible while assuring them of a better mode of payment. 

(NAN)